Etiquette | Asking employer for more details of a job before starting.

[Frank1112]

I am finishing university soon and have a job lined up in September. I have nothing to do this summer, so I feel I should spend some time trying to get a running start in the company. I have no professional programming experience! Yikes.

I know that I'll be working in C/C++ on LLVM, but I don't know about their internal architecture. E.g., what build system are they using? What VCS? Questions like that. (like an idiot I forgot to ask in the interview)

I have found the email address of the most senior engineer on my interviewing panel, but I'm wondering: is it too forward to send an email asking these questions, given that for now I am just a stranger, not an employee?

I want to know the answers to these questions since from my limited programming experience so far, it really pays to know the details of the build system and VCS to avoid making other people angry!

In summary, would an email like,

Hello _name_,
* What build system do you use?
* What VCS system do you use?
* Do you have any other advice on how I should prepare for my job?

sound too forward? I'm very green behind the ears, so I don't want to come across as a massive tool before I have even started!

I'm particularly interested in the responses of people who have professional programming experience in large companies.

Thanks so much for reading,
Frank.

[mHealth]

It hardly matters what build systems/VCS systems are used in a project. The engineer may be too busy to reply to your email.
Do not worry, you will receive enough training before taking up project tasks.

[meditation]

You may check linkedin profile of few employees to find out project details.

[rules engine]

Better check his facebook/twitter account.

[project manager]

Go ahead and email your question, technical people love to respond to email.

[Frank1112]

Thanks for the responses. I decided not to contact the employer and just assume I'll get the requisite information when I start the job.

Kind regards,
Frank.

[robherr]

I think asking details about a project is ok as long as the approach is nice and respectful. Sometimes people tend to be pushy without them knowing. You can gather information through persuasion and suggestion.